Jesse Marsch explains why Celtic hero Alistair Johnston was left out of Canada squad

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The international break is almost upon us and it’s this part of the calendar many Celtic fans really do not enjoy.

Over the last few seasons Celtic have many of their top players return from international duty with injuries that have kept them out of the first team for a length of time at crucial periods of the calendar.

And whilst international recognition is great and a testament to the quality of Celtic’s squad, the worry is always there that Brendan Rodgers’ best players could suffer an injury whilst representing their country.

However, that won’t be the case for Alistair Johnston as Canada boss, Jesse Marsch, explains why he has left the Celtic defender out of his latest international squad.

Canada boss delivers injury update on Celtic hero Alistair Johnston

67 Hail Hail had already discussed that Johnston had recovered from an injury prior to Celtic’s 6-0 drubbing of St Johnstone.

But it seems that an issue has re-occurred after Celtic’s loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and Johnston will miss Canada’s upcoming fixture against Panama.

Marsch said in The Scottish Sun, “Alistair Johnston and midfielder Ismael Kone are both rehabbing injuries.

“It’s back and ankle injuries for them.”

How Celtic will cope without Alistair Johnston vs Ross County

It’s highly likely that Johnston will now miss Sunday’s away trip to Dingwall to face Ross County on Sunday.

The Scottish champions will be looking to bounce back with a win in the Scottish Premiership and should have enough in their squad to do it without the Canadian international.

The obvious choice to take Johnston’s place is Anthony Ralston. The reliable Celtic fullback has never let Brendan Rodgers down whenever called upon.

Rodgers could also slot Alex Valle into the starting lineup on the left and play Greg Taylor as a temporary right-back as the Scotland defender has played that position before albeit only on three occasions during his career.

Whoever the Celtic boss goes with (assuming Johnston is passed unfit) Rodgers should have enough in his squad to get all three points from Dingwall and give the supporters and the team a boost heading into the two-week break.